Thirteen

Twelve was heartbreaking – filled with loss and sorrow and not always the best of humanity. While there were moments of lightness and joy and lots of love from family and friends (and escargot!), it's still hard to look back at parts of this past year, knowing how much Nora went through. 

But they got through it, which is a testament to what an incredibly strong and amazing person Nora is. Despite it all, Nora made Junior Honor Society and climbed mountains this year. They threw axes and harvested honey. They puzzled. Nora plunged into the Chesapeake to save the environment, and into the Atlantic (just for fun). They made pasta and built a ukulele. They explored their artistic side and celebrated their love of musical theater. And all the while they leaned on their friends and their older brother, which involved some of the best of humanity, and also watching a lot of Doctor Who. 

Eventually, Nora was able to tell us what they needed and we were able to make some changes so that going forward Nora has less chaos in their life, and help with processing it. Hopefully, thirteen will be a less stressful year that gives Nora some peace and a safe space to be themselves, because quite frankly, they're awesome.

So happy birthday, little one. We love you so, so much and will always have your back. Now go blow us all alway.

1. Boba-Kiki, are they round or pointy?
2. Knowledge  is knowing tomatoes are a fruit; wisdom is not putting them in fruit salad.
3. Babies, from an artistic sense, didn't really come into their own until mid-fifteenth century.
4. "Think about all of those poor, orphaned highways just waiting to be adopted..."
5. Mochas!
6. Nora is good at things. Stuff is Nora's kryptonite.
7. It's Duck season...
8. She/Her, He/Him, They/Them. Us.
9. Never forget your emergency spoon. 
10. And in the immortal words of Jane Seymour in Six, 

You can build me up
You can tear me down
You can try but I'm unbreakable
You can do your best
But I'll stand the test 
You'll find that I'm unshakeable